HICKORY, N.C. - It was an extremely successful inauguration week and homecoming weekend for the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears Club, the second-longest standing collegiate fundraising arm in the state of North Carolina. 

The 37th annual Hanley Painter Memorial Golf Outing proved to be a resounding success, with a total of 46 foursomes participating in the event hosted by Lake Hickory Country Club.

The Bears Club Silent Auction, which closed on October 19, was record-setting, with more than $50,000 raised towards scholarships, as alumni, fans and friends of LR bid on 175 items over a 10-day period.

In total, the golf outing and silent auction raised more than $126,000 for the Bears Club, which benefits more than 700 student-athletes. 

"This incredible show of support from our alumni, fans, and community is a testament to the strength of LR Athletics," said Daron Montgomery, Vice President for Athletics. "Raising over $126,000 during Homecoming week not only honors the legacy of the Hanley Painter Golf Memorial, but directly enhances the Lenoir-Rhyne student-athlete experience. Special thanks to the golf outing committee, auction committee, and all the volunteers who helped ensure two remarkably successful events for the Bears Club."